There are three central factors to consider when it comes to laser etching vs engraving:
- Effect on the surface of the material
- Depth of the laser
- How the overall appearance is affected
In both laser etching and laser engraving, a part of the material’s surface is removed as the laser does its job, resulting in permanent markings. However, the depth of the laser is different in both of these processes, which consequently affects the appearance of the product.
Laser Engraving
Laser engraving is a great alternative to traditional engraving — not only can it execute the task faster, but the end result tends to be more legible. Moreover, it can be used on smaller objects, such as jewelry.
During laser engraving, the laser beam will physically remove material to create an impression that will ultimately reveal an image, noticeable at eye level and by touch. The laser uses high heat to vaporize the material and works quickly. The process can be repeated for deeper marks and is typically used for customized products, serial numbers and logos. Generally, laser engraving requires marks that are greater than 0.005 inches deep.
Depending on the type of laser engraver machine used, engraving can be performed on a variety of materials, including:
- Plastic
- Metal
- Wood
- Glass
- Leather
laser engraver is generally used for materials such as wood and plastic, while fiber lasers are used for metallic materials. Metals have a maximum for engraving (at 0.020 inches), but deep laser engraving can be performed on materials like graphite (which allows for a depth of 0.125 inches). Sculpfun S10 features a 10W laser module which is ready for an air assist system. It offer a good cutting performance.It is one of the most popular models of Sculpfun.
Laser Etching
The main difference between laser engraving vs etching is that the depth of laser etching does not go beyond 0.001 inches. It also uses high heat, but the material is melted rather than vaporized, which results in a raised mark. This process can also affect the color, altering blacks, whites or grays.
A laser engraving machine can be used on certain metal surfaces (such as anodized or plated metals) and polymers, as well as ceramic materials. It can also be used for customization, but the effect is much smaller than that of laser engraving and may not even be noticeable at first glance.
Laser Marking
Another term often used interchangeably with laser etching and engraving is laser marking. What really differentiates the laser marking process from the etching and engraving processes is that it doesn’t remove part of the surface area; rather, it discolors the material.
Laser markers are commonly used on metals (although they can be used for other materials). Laser marking works by utilizing a low-powered beam that moves slowly along the material, forging high-contrast marks without actually disrupting the material. As the laser moves, the material will heat, which results in oxidation below the surface. In addition to turning the material black, the low temperature of the laser causes annealing of the surface (which removes internal stresses and toughens the material).
Laser marking machines are commonly used to char plastic or anneal and discolor metals. One of their most frequent uses is for identification and traceability purposes such as the creation of barcodes, QR codes and logos. This is largely important for industries that need to trace objects for safety purposes; for instance, these codes can be used to identify the owner of medical devices or the factories from which car parts originate.